Written question asked by Richard Burden (Labour) on Thursday, 22 November 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 27 November 2001. It was answered by Lord Hain (Labour) on Tuesday, 27 November 2001 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps were considered by EU foreign ministers at the 19th November General Affairs Council to stop the import into the EU under preference of goods labelled as made in Israel but which originate in Israeli settlements in the occupied territories; what decisions were taken; and what the reasons for these decisions were.

Answer: Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps were considered by EU foreign ministers at the 19 November General Affairs Council to stop the import into the EU under preference of goods labelled as made in Israel but which originate in Israeli settlements in the occupied territories; what decisions were taken; and what the reasons for these decisions were. [18654] Peter Hain: The 19 November General Affairs Council agreed that the EU should make it clear to Israel at the 20 November EU-Israel Association Council that it attached great importance to correct application of the Association Agreement and that it would do its best to find a sustainable solution to the rules of origin issue. It noted that, if the Association Council process was not able to find a solution, the EU would have to review its position, in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement. The two sides have agreed to pursue discussions on this issue.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 375 c804W; 18654
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: EU countries EU action EU external trade Import controls Imports Origin marking Israel Occupied territories EU Foreign Affairs Council
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk